Description
A vibrant and easy-to-make salad featuring tender tortellini, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all brought together with a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for a light meal or a show-stopping side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 19-ounce package fresh or frozen three-cheese tortellini
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella (mini balls or cubed), drained
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or roughly chopped, plus more for garnish
- 3–4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2–3 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, or to taste
- Optional: thinly sliced red onion, red pepper flakes, pine nuts
Instructions
- Cook the Tortellini: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add tortellini and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer to a large bowl to cool to room temperature.
- Prep Fresh Ingredients: While tortellini cools, halve cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella (if not using mini balls). Roughly tear or chop fresh basil.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooled tortellini, halved tomatoes, mozzarella, and most of the basil to the large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine.
- Drizzle and Serve: Transfer salad to a serving platter. Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze. Garnish with remaining fresh basil. Serve immediately or let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins